Nina Simone’s Estate Sues HTC For $1 Million

Even in death, stars are at risk of being ripped off by major corporations. Last week we told you that the mother of slain rapper Tupac, Afeni Shakur, will be dragging eOne Music to court for allegedly failing to pay royalties to her son’s estate for his posthumous album, Beginnings The Lost Tapes: 1980 – 1991. The family of Nina Simone may also be in court soon, fighting to defend the High Priestess of Soul’s estate.

TMZ is reporting that Nina’s family is suing Taiwanese smart phone manufacturer, HTC, for $1 million. According to filed court documents, the corporation used the instrumental from Nina’s 1965 hit, “Sinnerman,” for one of their “You” campaign television commercials, without obtaining the rights to do so.

HTC has yet to comment on the copyright infringement suit, but it doesn’t really seem like there’s much that they could really say at this point. The proof seems to be in the pudding. As usual, we will continue to keep you posted as this story develops.

Check out the commercial below. What are your thoughts on the family’s lawsuit?